No one was more shocked than Bryan, who doubled over when he heard the news.

“I don’t know what to say, guys,” said Bryan. “Thank you guys so much, fans for doing this to me. Thank you so much for making my life what it is and what I always wanted it to be. What I always wanted to be was a country singer who got to ride on a tour bus and show up every night … and sing. I just started headlining, this doesn’t even feel real. This means the world to me, and I will never take it for granted.”